What is GRASTEK?
GRASTEK is a prescription immunotherapy medicine used to treat Timothy and related grass pollen allergies that cause sneezing, runny or itchy nose, stuffy or congested nose, or itchy and watery eyes. It can be prescribed for people ages 5 through 65 years old who are allergic to grass pollen.
GRASTEK is taken for about 12 weeks before the grass pollen season and throughout the grass pollen season. It may also be taken daily for 3 years to have a sustained effect for a fourth year, during which you do not have to take GRASTEK.
GRASTEK does NOT provide immediate relief for grass allergy symptoms. For more information about GRASTEK, click here.
How can I find out if GRASTEK is right for me?
Only an allergy specialist can decide if GRASTEK is right for you. Your allergy specialist may do skin and/or blood tests to help determine which allergen causes your symptoms. If the test indicates that you are allergic to Timothy or related grass pollen, your allergy specialist will then decide if GRASTEK is an appropriate treatment for you. To learn more about GRASTEK, make an appointment with your allergy specialist.If you’d like more information, click here.
If I’m allergic to other grasses (besides Timothy), is GRASTEK right for me?
Timothy grass is one of the most common grasses in the United States and is similar to other common related grasses, including Sweet Vernal, Orchard (also known as Cocksfoot), Perennial Rye, Kentucky Blue (also known as June Grass), Meadow Fescue and Redtop. If you are allergic to Timothy grass, you may be allergic to these similar grasses and GRASTEK may help.Learn more about these related grasses here.
Who should not take GRASTEK?
You or your child should not take GRASTEK if:
You or your child has severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma
You or your child had a severe allergic reaction in the past that included any of these symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid or weak heartbeat
You or your child has ever had difficulty with breathing due to swelling of the throat or upper airway after using any sublingual immunotherapy before.
You or your child has ever been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis.
You or your child is allergic to any of the inactive ingredients contained in GRASTEK. The inactive ingredients contained in GRASTEK are gelatin, mannitol and sodium hydroxide.
What are the possible side effects of GRASTEK?
In children and adults, the most commonly reported side effects were itching of the mouth, lips or tongue, swelling under the tongue and throat irritation. These side effects, by themselves, were not dangerous or life-threatening. GRASTEK can cause severe allergic reactions that may be life-threatening. Symptoms of allergic reactions to GRASTEK include: trouble breathing, throat tightness or swelling, trouble swallowing or speaking, dizziness or fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, severe stomach cramps or pain, vomiting or diarrhea; or severe flushing or itching of the skin. For additional information on the possible side effects of GRASTEK, talk with your allergy specialist or pharmacist.For more information about the possible side effects of GRASTEK, click here.
When will GRASTEK start to work?
It takes time for GRASTEK to treat your allergies. In clinical studies, people who started taking GRASTEK at least 12 weeks before the start of the grass allergy season:
Had fewer eye and nose symptoms throughout an entire grass pollen season
Used less symptom-relieving allergy medication throughout the same season
Experienced relief when pollen levels were at their highest
How long do I keep taking GRASTEK?
GRASTEK is taken once daily for about 12 weeks before grass pollen season, and throughout the season. You may also take GRASTEK daily for 3 years to provide a sustained effect for a fourth year in which you do not have to take GRASTEK. Talk to your allergy specialist about how long you should take it.For additional information about taking GRASTEK, click here.
How should I take GRASTEK?
Take the tablet from the blister package after carefully removing the foil with dry hands. Place the tablet under your tongue right away. Do not swallow for 1 minute. Do not take GRASTEK with food or beverage. Do not eat or drink for 5 minutes after taking the tablet. Wash your hands after taking the tablet.
Take the first tablet of GRASTEK in your allergy specialist's office. After taking the first tablet, you or your child will be watched for at least 30 minutes for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. If you tolerate the first dose of GRASTEK, you or your child will continue GRASTEK therapy at home by taking 1 tablet every day. Children should be given each tablet of GRASTEK by an adult who will watch for any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. For more info about how to take GRASTEK, click here.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take GRASTEK, do not take a double dose. Take the next dose at your normal scheduled time the next day. Take GRASTEK as prescribed by your allergy specialist until the end of the treatment course. If you miss more than one dose of GRASTEK, contact your allergy specialist before restarting.
Do I need to take GRASTEK with water?
Do not use food or water to take the tablet. Do not drink or eat for 5 minutes after taking the tablet.
Can I take other medications with GRASTEK?
You should tell your allergy specialist if you or your child is taking or has recently taken any other medicines, including non-prescription and herbal supplements.
Keep a list of them and show it to your allergy specialist and pharmacist each time you get a new supply of GRASTEK.
How do I store GRASTEK?
Keep GRASTEK out of the reach of children. GRASTEK should be stored at room temperature, 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Store GRASTEK in the original package and keep package and tablets dry.